INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS (ITS)
speed limit and which lanes are open.” With ITS being installed as part of works completed and nearing completion along the Tullamarine Freeway, Monash Freeway and the M80 Ring Road, system benefits are already being identified. Following the installation of ITS technology on the M1 Upgrade in 2010, VicRoads noted major improvements to lane capacity. In turn, this has reduced congestion and crashes by a huge 30 per cent. These improvements come as a result of ITS technology’s ability to assist road users in making informed decisions, including decisions about route choice and time of travel. While informed decision-making on the road is important at all times, it is particularly vital during periods of changed driving conditions, such as when an accident occurs. Technology such as real-time information signs, variable message signs and freeway condition signs, combined with website information and radio updates will become increasingly important as more drivers utilise Victorian roads, leading to more congestion.
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September 2018 // Issue 8
By using ITS to communicate information at all stages of a driver’s journey, congestion as a result of incidents should decrease.
MELBOURNE’S MOST INTELLIGENT MOTORWAYS ITS technology rolled out across Melbourne’s newest road projects may be subtle, but it has vastly improved VicRoads’ approach to freeway network management and will continue to make an impact as more traffic is introduced over the coming years. The new technology adopted across Victoria’s freeway networks includes: ♦♦ Infrared light-based non-invasive technology for freeway data stations to improve the accuracy of data and eliminate on-road assets, resulting in reduced maintenance costs ♦♦ Digital CCTV cameras ♦♦ Freeway to freeway ramp signals, including associated variable message signs ♦♦ Remote access and monitoring of electronic road signs ♦♦ Multi-colour pictograms on variable message signs to enable the display of travel time information
Similar improvements should result from ITS assets on arterial and rural road networks. The new technology being introduced to arterial networks includes: ♦♦ Intersection traffic signals ♦♦ Variable message signs ♦♦ Closed circuit television cameras ♦♦ Bluetooth readers ♦♦ School and shopping centre dynamic electronic speed limit signs ♦♦ Overheight vehicle detection and warning systems ♦♦ Emergency and public transport vehicle detection systems ♦♦ Bridge deck heating ♦♦ Ice warning signs
MORE IN THE WORKS There’s no doubt that Victoria’s road networks are, and will continue to become, more intelligent than ever. Managed motorway systems utilising ITS will continue to be rolled out over the coming months and years. With the Monash Freeway set to see further development in 2018 and work on other roads expected as part of the ongoing infrastructure investment program, Victorians can safely anticipate a future of smarter, more efficient driving.
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